1964 Chevrolet Corvette C2

In 1953, Chevrolet launched a two-seater sports car that was a radical departure from a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. The design was based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, and made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped Harley Earl-styled fiberglass coachwork. Power was from Chevrolet's 235.5 cubic-inch (3.8-liter) overhead-valve straight-six and backed by an automatic transmission.

The Corvette was intended to compete with the T-Series MG, but its price tag was way above the target figure, ending up in the Jaguar XK120 territory albeit with inferior performance. Sales reflected the high cost and poor performance, and the project was nearly axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical re-style for 1956 revitalized the Corvette's market position before the arrival of the heavily revised 'Sting Ray' version.

The second-generation Corvette, or C2, was introduced in 1963 and christened the 'Sting Ray', so-called for its sweeping, aerodynamic, and menacing profile. This was the first of the Chevrolet Corvettes to be developed using avant-garde wind-tunnel technology. It was given a new ladder-type chassis featuring independent rear suspension, the latter a rarity on American cars at this time, and for the first time there was a Gran Turismo coupé in the range. It used nearly twice the amount of steel support of the former first-generation model. To compensate for the additional weight, the fiberglass panels were reduced in thickness, which resulted in a lighter but more rigid structure than its predecessor. Inside, the dashboard featured oversized speedometer and tachometer dials, while traction was increased through improved weight distribution with lighter steering and enhanced maneuverability.

Updates continued into 1964, both cosmetically and structurally. The iconic split rear window was switched out for a single glass wrap around, and the two simulated air intakes on the hood were removed. The insignia received a redesign to include the concentric circles with crossed flags. The wheel covers were simplified, the suspension enhanced, and the fuel injection engine was upgraded to offer 15 more horsepower, now reaching 375 bhp in total.

Total sales of the 1964 String Ray exceeded 22,000 units, including a mere 38 with the highly prized 36-gallon fuel tank, in place of the standard 20-gallon capacity, specifically designed to facilitate endurance racing at celebrated tracks such as Daytona.

1964 was a busy year for show cars and various one-off studio creations, with at least five unique Corvettes created for executives and family members. Retired styling chief Harley Earl received a Sting Ray Convertible and his wife, Sue, had a custom Coral Pink Coupe. Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen, general manager of Chevrolet since 1961, had a unique Styling Sting Ray Coupe. Mr. Knudsen's coupe was an early-production 1964 model recorded as GPV-57, meaning it was company-owned and specially built by either the Styling or Engineering Departments. It was given an L76 327 V-8, making 365 horsepower from its high compression and four-barrel carburetor mated to the 'mandatory optional' M20 four-speed transmission. It had a hand-built front end, with deeper vents and unique bumpers relocated higher, leaving room for an oversized egg-crate grille.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020